A “balancing act” for freedom

by Marie Bernhard

The “Balanceakt” (balancing act) sculpture was unveiled by Friede Springer ten years ago. Since then, the painted bronze sculpture on the square in front of the Axel Springer building in Berlin has become an integral element of the publishing house complex. And today, the meaning behind the work remains just as important for Axel Springer and symbolizes a central part of its mission as a company: the dedication to freedom. But what has the past decade been like for the sculpted figure balancing on the wall? inside.app author Marie Bernhard wanted to find out, so she visited the man on the wall and had a brief chat with him.

Hello Mr. Man on the Wall, it’s always nice to see you here.The pleasure is all mine. I don’t often get the chance to chat with an Axel Springer employee, so I’m all the more happy to speak to you. You’re the first person out all those concentrated on going about their daily work business who has taken the time to talk to me.

Friede Springer has unveiled the “Balanceakt” in 2009

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You have been part of the Axel Springer building ensemble for ten years now. What were the highlights for you during that period?I encounter people here every day who are very different from one another. There are the tourists, whose language I don’t always understand. I already speak English, French and Spanish, but I’ve only just started learning Chinese. Then there are the locals and the celebrity guests who go in and out of the Axel Springer building for a variety of reasons. And, of course, the employees dashing by early in the morning or late in the evening. I see almost every day as a highlight. When I think about the company itself, three unforgettable events spring to mind.

And they are?2012, for example, on what would have been Axel Springer’s 100th birthday. There was a 100-minute-long journey, as it were, through the publisher’s life which was performed by well-known German actors. Or 2017, when the foundation stone for the new Axel Springer building was laid on May 2. Friede Springer was there to take up the words of her husband when she accompanied her three hammer blows with the words “Unity and justice and freedom”. And then, of course, there was the topping out ceremony at the beginning of September last year, which I experienced close up. Such a shame I didn’t get any of the delicious snacks that were being served. Somebody could have offered me something, at least. However, I do have to say, it’s not always been a cakewalk standing here. And I’m not just referring to the wind and weather.

What then?Seven years ago, some unknown people snuck up to me in the night and smeared me with reddish-orange paint. My lovely clothes were completely ruined … And then when Amazon founder Jeff Bezos was here in April 2018 to receive the Axel Springer Award, things got pretty wild outside the building. All of a sudden, hundreds of Amazon employees turned up blowing whistles and wearing yellow vests to demonstrate against working conditions at the online retailer. I was worried I would be subject to another paint attack, but I luckily survived the demo unscathed.

Never a dull moment! What do you think of the new building that’s going up right next to you?I have to admit there were times when things got pretty loud here. I’ve been following the entire construction process – from the excavation pit to the almost finished building. To me, the new Axel Springer building is an architectural masterpiece and at the same time symbolic of the transformation taking place in the media and the world of work in the digital future. It’s a place of encounter. The processes of digitization and internationalization that have been shaping the company since the turn of the millennium are deeply changing the way people work together. This means that the new building is a driver of the new and a departure from the old in equal measure. I’m happy that both the high-rise and the new Axel Springer building will be in my line of vision in the future. And the best thing about this is: I’m right in the midst of it all.

The „Man on the Wall“ has the perfect view of the Axel Springer new building

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What was it like for you on May 2 to be handed an impulse with the words “freedom is_” written on it?It made me feel a little bit like the Statue of Liberty in New York. Even if I wasn’t holding a torch, the impulse is a symbol of progress – just like the torch flame. The concept of freedom is my own raison d’être and the impulse underscores the relevance of being able to make decisions freely in our society. For Axel Springer, this includes more than anything else freedom of the press. And “freedom is_” refers not only to the present and the future of the company. The publisher Axel Springer himself was also committed in his own unique way to freedom. He worked tirelessly towards his vision of a united Germany with Berlin as its capital city and a Europe living in peace. Therefore, this impulse I’m holding in my hand gives continued life to Axel Springer’s vision. And who knows, one day I may have the chance to carry out an intercultural discussion with Lady Liberty, from one proponent of freedom to another.

The „Man on the Wall“ with the impuls “freedom is_”

Charles Yunck

What did Stephan Balkenhol have to say at your unveiling on May 25, 2009?In an interview with the Axel Springer employee magazine at the time, Stephan Balkenhol clearly stated what it is I stand for, namely “a cautious optimism, openness towards the future, but also the feeling that freedom comes with the responsibility to do something with it.” I am thus a kind of memorial to the fall of the Berlin Wall 30 years ago. But if we look to the future, Balkenhol also saw me ten years ago as a warning to every single one of us not to lose sight of the value of freedom in times of upheaval.

Stephan Balkenhol created the statue in 2009

Axel Springer SE

A pretty heavy burden to bear. How do you manage this daily balancing act? Do you sometimes change legs at night when nobody is watching?It’s all a question of training. I know why I’ve taken all this upon myself. Freedom is after all a balancing act – and it has to be learned. And even if a divided Germany seems a long way off 60 years later, we must not ignore the fact that in many places in Europe and worldwide, democracy and the fundamental order based on freedom are under threat from right-wing populist movements. That’s why we should never take freedom for granted and we should always be sure to appreciate its value. Freedom is a precious thing. Pssst, keep this to yourself, but of course I stretch my legs every now and again during the night – which makes it a lot more pleasant standing up here every day.

Marie Bernhard

Manager Corporate Media

Marie Bernhard is a Manager Corporate Media in Corporate Communication at Axel Springer. For her, working in a media and technology company means to be always up-to-date. Current news she reads on her smartphone, books in printed form.